By SHIELA MAE BUTLIG
Correspondent
VICE President Jejomar Binay on Saturday expressed sadness over ex-mayor Vicente Emano’s health problems even as the leader of the Philippines Councilors’ League (PCL) wished the ailing politician good health.
“Nalungkot ako syempre. Kapatid ko yan sa harap at sa likod,” Binay told reporters at the sidelines of the Mindanao launch of the United Nationalists’ Alliance (UNA) at Lagundingan, Misamis Oriental on Saturday.
UNA leaders said they wished fast recovery for the 74-year old politician who dominated Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro politics for three decades until the 2013 mayoral elections when he was voted out of office, and lost by over 17 thousand votes.
Parañaque Councilor Alma Moreno, PCL president, said, “Magpagaling ka mayor.”
The erstwhile “sex goddess of the Philippine movies” is running for senator under th UNA.
Emano was a no-show during the launch of the UNA in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, where he was supposed to deliver his opening remarks. He came in a van near the place where the UNA launch was being held, smiled at the crowd from the front seat but never stepped out of the vehicle.
It was the first known public sighting of Emano since he was rushed to the Capitol University Medical City in Gusa where he was treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). A photo of Emano shows that he lost weight, and that his hair hasn’t been touched by a hairstylist for some time.
“We didn’t want to take the risk,” said Emano’s son Yevgeny Vincente, governor of Misamis Oriental, of the reason why his father did not proceed to the UNA event. “Init kaayo.”
Until now, neither Emano nor members of his family would say exactly what the former mayor’s ailment is.
Over local radio, the elder Emano said, “Igo lamang ko nagpakita didto agi og supporta sa akong mga kauban.”
Former councilor Juan Sia, an Emano ally, said he was convinced that Emano is still fit to be in politics and that he could still serve for a few more years despite his health problem.
One of Emano’s likely rivals for the mayoral post next year, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District, said he was praying for the former mayor’s health. “I learned that he is now OK, and he is just resting.” (with a report from lito rulona)
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